Comfortable utility of 2013 Dodge Durango

Since its return to the SUV segment in 2011, Dodge Durango has established itself as a class-leader in functionality, utility and design. For 2013, Dodge Durango will be offered in four trim levels: SXT, Crew, R/T and Citadel, and the lineup receives new and revised features aimed at keeping it at the head of the pack.

The 2013 Dodge Durango is crammed with features, and it still has room for class-leading utility. With more than 30 storage areas and a rear cargo area of nearly 85 cubic feet, Durango offers capable flexibility.

The EPA fuel economy in miles per gallon (city/hwy) for the Durango equipped with the Pentastar V-6 engine is 16/23 for both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models.

Durango is also available with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with fuel saver mode. The 5.7- liter delivers 360 horsepower and 390 foot-pounds of torque at 4,250 rpm and also features variable-valve timing (VVT). The fuel economy is 14/20 for rear-wheel-drive models and 13/20 for all-wheel-drive models.

Refinement for seven, or six

Passengers will feel materials that are refined with a functionality that gives owners a first-class experience, regardless of the trim level. The instrument panel features a nicely crafted monotone or two-tone appearance with a dark upper and lighter lower color and premium soft-touch materials for all price classes.

Introduced earlier in the 2012 calendar year, second-row captain’s chairs are available on all trim levels. Between the seats is a floor-mounted console. It is designed so passengers can walk from the second to third rows between the second-row captain’s chairs. Customers can also opt for a larger center console that has more storage space and class-exclusive features, such as illuminated cup holders and a USB port, as well as a 12-volt outlet.

Next is the Crew (new for 2013) with a starting MSRP of $34,895. The Crew adds standard premium leather seating and bright door handles.

Crew models also add standard features like a premium Alpine audio system, Keyless Enter-N-Go, cargo cover and much more.

Next up is the R/T model (MSRP: $35,995), which adds the powerful 5.7-liter 360 horsepower HEMI V-8 with Fuel Saver Technology as standard equipment along with a distinctive monochromatic appearance, unique 20-inch aluminum wheels with a polished face and Mineral-Grey-painted pockets, unique front fascia, and unique interior trim to name a few.

Dodge Durango is built in the United States at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit. To learn more about the 2013 Dodge Durango visit your local southeast Texas Dodge dealer or www.dodge.com.

While we harbor no disrespect for the Wall Street Journal who called us “that scrappy little paper from Southeast Texas,” we prefer to think of ourselves as simple seekers of the truth. We’re of the opinion that headlines and sound bites never tell the whole story. Our readers demand all the facts, facets and flavors of every story or event. And, they expect to be informed, educated and stirred to action.